Biographies Books

I just finished another very painful but interesting and shocking memoirs in "Thanks to my Mother" by Shoshana Rabinovici and started this book. It's absolutely shocking and heroic struggle to do everything possible to survive day-by-day and minute-by-minute the Systematic Nazi Plan to annihilate the Jewish People.
Highly highly recommend to every one who is interested in Holocaust and to everybody to read and to learn what was really WWII about.

An avid reader of Holocaust memoirs, I found "Alicia" an unforgettable story of survival.

Only a child at the onset of World War II in her native Poland, Alicia Jurman soon lost both her parents and all four brothers -- murdered, in different ways, for one reason, being Jewish. It was only through a strange destiny that young Alicia kept surviving herself -- once being pushed through a gap in a train window, heading for a concentration camp; another time, falling unconscious and being presumed dead by the Nazis, only to be rescued by an astute and caring Jewish gravedigger.

Yet even when a person is at her lowest, she can always find others even worse off. It would have been easy for Alicia to say she had nothing left to give; yet even during the most destitute and desperate of times, she shared food and supplies with other Holocaust survivors.

It was also this loving attitude that made Alicia take action after the war, when she noticed a number of starving orphaned children roaming city streets. Only 15 and an orphan herself, Alicia took it upon herself to establish a Jewish "orphanage," moving some 24 youths aged 10 to 15 into a vacated apartment and securing financial help to get their new lives underway.

Still a teenager, Alicia eventually sought refuge in Israel. But, as always, problems arose...

Alicia Jurman is a modern-day hero, guaranteed to inspire readers for generations to come.

This eye witness account of the holocaust in Poland is so horrific it would be too depressing to read, if it weren't for the author's lucid, straight forward prose. Alicia Jurman was 13 years old when she fought for survival against literally impossible odds in southeastern Poland and witnessed the destruction of her entire family, friends and neighbors. Her survival was accomplished through truly incredible pluck, strength of character, resourcefulness, and unbelievable good luck.
We already know (or should know) all about the horrors of the holocaust: the depth of depravity to which the human soul can sink; and we know that to forget this worst of all possible nightmares is to face another genocide in our lifetime (we already have in Darfur, Rwanda, Bosnia, and elsewhere).
What distinguishes "Alicia: My Story" despite the unspeakable horror is this horror as viewed through the eyes of a girl who simply refuses to give in and give up. She is an amazingly strong girl who used everything she had to survive. And she tells the story in a matter of fact way that propels the narrative forward and keeps the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next.
If one has never been exposed to what went on during World War Two, this excellent book is the perfect place to start.

I read a lot of Holocaust-related stories in middle school. As morbid as it sounds, they were so interesting, and so heartbreaking to read. There are quite a few more still sitting in my closet that I could review, but this was my favorite, and probably the one that got me into the topic. A really great story, particularly because it's a true one.

Raised from the age of five in Buczacz, which was roughly a third Jewish at that time, Alicia was sheltered relatively well from the anti-Semitism that plagued her town, as well as the rest of Europe. She had many friends, both Jewish and Christian.
After the Hitler-Stalin Pact of 1939, whereby the two genocidal dictators divided Poland between them, Buczacz fell into the Soviet zone. The Soviets began a forced Sovietization drive, and deported thousands of people to slave labour, or their deaths, who they saw as 'enemies of the Soviet Union'.Alicia recalls being offended and hurt, on behalf of her Christian friends, for whose religion she had deep respect, when the Madonna and Child were removed from their customary spot in the classroom and replaced by scowling portraits of Lenin and Stalin.
Alicia's second-oldest brother Moshe was shot by the Soviets after returning to Poland, from the harsh conditions in Russia, where he had gone for education.
In June 1941, the Germans broke their pact with the Soviets and swept through eastern Poland on their way to Russia - Operation Barbarossa had begun. The Germans, however, had an even worse plan than the Soviets had had for Europe's Jews: it was known as Endlosung (aka The Final Solution).

Alicia's father was shot, alongside 600 other Jewish community leaders, shortly after the Nazi invasion.
Alicia, and her mother and brothers were forced to leave their beautiful home, and to settle in the ghetto.
They lived under harsh laws whereby Jews were forced to wear armbands with stars of David.
Jews who tried to leave the ghetto or to enter the synagogue would be executed.
Alicia's brother Bunion was then executed by the Nazis.

While visiting a Jewish family in the town, 12 year old Alicia was arrested by the Nazis along with thousands of other Jews, but escaped from the train to the death camps, together with a band of other young people.
After Alicia's brother Zachary was shot by the Nazis She swore on his grave that if she survived she would speak for her silenced family.
This book is a powerful and unforgettable fulfilment of that oath.
It keeps us engaged and emotionally involved on every page, as we read of her struggle to survive, her irrepressible spirit, her many brushes with death. She never gave up her will to survive nor her humanity for fellow victims of the Nazis, many of whom she helped to rescue, many of whom died before her eyes.
She witnessed such horrors as babies being shot in their cribs by the Nazis.
While many of the Polish and Ukrainian neighbours helped the Nazis and joined in the killings, there were always those few that helped to keep their Jewish fellow humans alive, including a Polish family on whose farm Alicia worked.
After the war, Alicia's struggle was not over.
She was imprisoned by the Soviets and took part in the secret operation to smuggle Jews to the Land of Israel, across Europe, at a time when the British were keeping the Holocaust survivors out, often with brutal and violent methods reminiscent of the Nazis themselves.
Alicia was on the ship Theodor Herzl, carrying young Holocaust survivors to Israel, in 1946, when it was rammed by British frigates, after which British soldiers then boarded the ship and attacked the survivors, beating to death six young Jews and allowing others to drown while trying to escape.
This courageous girl, had struggled as part of the Jewish nation against three ruthless empires.

I love Camryn Mannheim and her book. I'd give this a 4.5 if I could, because since she wrote the book, she's lost quite a bit of weight and puts the reasoning for it on being a mother.

I hated it when Carnie Wilson went from being a NAAFA member and spokesperson for loving yourself at any size to being obsessed with being thin. She's admitted to lying about why she had WLS and has made a snootful of money pimping it to others. She has been a major factor in the deaths of hundreds of (mostly) women who didn't make it after the surgery and her recommendation of it.

And I am very saddened by Mannheim's abandonment of her principals of fat-acceptance and the people who have supported her and her book.

Isn't there anyone out there who will stay committed to the cause and not cave in when someone runs some cash under their noses or threatens their career if they don't lose weight?

Ack. Love the book. Disappointed in Mannheim today.

I just happened into a copy of the book when I had a little time to kill, then I could hardly put it down. I enjoyed the book and the many reviews that have been written here. I normally write reviews on obscure books where there are only a few, if any, reviews so this is different for me and I doubt if i have too much to add. Beyond the self acceptance theme that has been much reviewed (I have fat issues and support Camryn's views (mostly)), I liked the book on many other levels. Of course I liked the humor and human interest of growing up in America. The struggle for success story is good too. I especially liked the unconventional approach to the book itself. Frnakly, I did not much the Cammy--fat dialogs, but I liked many of the other, unusual things like asides and notes to herself and others throughout. There were other quirky approaches that I really liked too. I really like the book and recommend it highly.

After reading the past reviews, I wonder if I'm the only man who read this book. The first thing that caught my eyes, I'll be honest, was the cover picture. Camryn is a gorgeous woman with very nice legs. She is also a person of deep character, who has persevered and triumphed despite the prejudices of our shallow society. She relates her struggles in a moving way, but avoids the whining, "why is the world so unfair?" tone that unfortunately characterizes some similiar works. If you want a glimpse into the mind of a powerful, beautiful and intoxicatingly magnificent woman, then you will enjoy this book.

Camryn Manheim is an sassy, award-winning actress and laugh-out-loud funny. This book is a personal account of her experiences of fat-ism and her journey to self-acceptance.

Manheim is a natural storyteller and, being overweight myself, there was a lot here to relate to, but although I enjoyed the book, there were no groundbreaking revelations for me here ... though it does make a pretty strong case against society's obsession with being thin, this book is in no way a "self-help" book (to be fair, it doesn't claim to be) and it didn't help me to "make peace" with my fat. It did however make me laugh a lot and that's reason enough to encourage others to read it!

Thank you Camryn, for speaking out for big women everywhere.

Camryn Manheim is a fat activist. Her experiences in a world where people are literally dying to be thin include getting in to the NYU Masters of Fine Arts program, gracing the cover of "fat" magazines such as Radiance and winning an Emmy for her performance on The Practice. She is a likeable, mature and attractive woman who has fought passionately for what she believes in. But does that make one a good author? In Manheim's case, it damn well does.

"Wake up, I'm fat," is a hilarious, bittersweet page-turner. This socially critical memoir mainly deals with one individual's struggles on growing up in our superficial world. Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, be it because of their race, religion or looks, will immediately be able to relate to the amiable narrator.

Manheim manages to be honest about the ugly underbelly of today's beauty image and her struggles without sounding whiny. She uses dark humor and clever prose to describe how she got to where she is today.

Subjects such as erotic weight gain or personal ads are also dealt with in this book. They may make the reader feel slightly squeamish at first, but ultimately they just make this book a more interesting read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about "the underdog being on top" or who simply likes a good story told well.

...I got a little teary-eyed. This is an excellent book. It's funny and compelling and Wil shows what a great writer he is. I wanted more and I'm upset that I didn't buy "Just A Geek" first. I'll be remedying that as soon as I'm finished writing this review. If you just like a good story whether it be about Star Trek or just being a regualar everyday person, or if you want a good laugh, I recommed this book.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wheaton at a sci-fi convention in 2006. He was really nice and easy going. I picked up a smaller book that he had printed in limited numbers. I love how he spins his tales. It took me a while but I finally grabbed his book Dancing barefoot. His childhood storys and those of his current family are heartfelt and warm. His dealing with the memories of his Trek experience and coming to grips with his "Child Actor" status. If you are a trek fan or not doesn't matter the guy is a great writer and I can't wait for the next book.

I was very pleased with this book. Excellent writing, but it leaves me wanting more.

Whether you are a Star Trek Fan or not, this book is worth reading. As Wil tells his stories, you feel each and every emotion. After you finish the book, you a yearning for more, so go and pick up "Just a Geek". Enjoy it- I sure did!

Dancing Barefoot is one of those books that as your reading, you take a step back and say, "oh my god I totally understand this! This was me."

The book is a collection of stories that Wil had posted on his blog and compiled together. The stories are very inspiring and Wil shows his emotions in one of the most effective ways that humans do: through his writing. I was very touched after having read Dancing Barefoot and even inspirted enough to do some writing of my own.

If you're considering whether or not you want to purchase Wheaton's book, just read his blog and within 10 minutes of reading some of his entries your mind will have been set yourself.

I loved it, and look forward to Wil's next novel.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/06)

"Fine Dining Madness: The rules & realities of fine dining," should be required reading for everyone that dines out. John Galloway writes about his personal experiences in the restaurant business from the restaurant employee angle. From his experiences, I learned a lot about what not to do if I don't want bad things happening to my food. Since I am a pretty considerate diner, I always felt that I was relatively safe from waiter or chef retributions; however, I learned that dining with rude guests can result in both of us getting food that has been tampered with. There are acquaintances that I will never dine out with again. As a matter of fact, after reading this book, I would like to invite some of them over to dinner and do what some of the waiters have probably done to my food just because I was with them.

While the stories are entertaining, I also learned a great deal about dining etiquette, not just how to treat restaurant employees, but also useful information about subjects such as ordering wine. Galloway does the reader a huge favor by providing a lot of useful information in a format that is totally enjoyable to read. Galloway also talks about diners
who earned top respect and treatment from the staff, a lot of it is based on their behavior and not all of it involves how much they tip. There are some heartwarming stories about dining guests who earned a great deal of respect from the staff. To Galloway, decorated war heroes ranked highly, and this was justifiably so. He includes some historical facts that help highlight the importance of what these people were involved with.

Galloway also talks about the colorful personalities that he dealt with on a daily basis, either being his co-workers or being the guests, several of which were celebrities, including President Bush. Galloway's recollections tend to be hilarious. He uses his dry wit to make comments that instantly will make you laugh out loud.

I highly recommend this book as a gift to people who are rude restaurant diners. Hopefully, they will recognize themselves and make some needed changes. I also recommend it to people who enjoy a good, humorous, non-fiction book. The subject matter is not typical, so it will be a fun change for them. You will just have to read it for yourself to see what I am talking about. Enjoy!

Good gravy I loved this book! I was sad when it ended, and will hunt the stores for Mr. Galloways's next write.

As the other reviews suggest, this book is about everyone. You and me. Oh sure, there are different names and faces, but they're just like you and me. John is meant for higher ground, but he's stuck in the restaurant world of fine dining. He's restless, and feels dishonored in the world of fine dining, but has the spine to take the road less traveled.

If Galloway fails in anything else he tries, at least he tries, and that's a lesson for all. And if he writes another book, everyone is a winner. But the most important lesson in Madness is to live with a kind heart, as he does.

Read this book and You'll learn much about fine dining, even more about life.

I purchased this book based on the recommendations I read here. I have to say I was disappointed with this book. Considering how everyone here raved about it, I thought it was going to be this fantastic book. It just did not live up to the reviews. There were some funny parts and the first couple of chapters with the "rules" were enlightening, but it wasn't worthy of 5 or even 4 stars, in my opinion.

This book is special. It is the insider's view on the range of characters found in restaurants... from both sides of the kitchen doors. It is very funny in most spots: while reading it on a plane, my eyes watered from the urge to laugh, other times from the urge to cry. It is intended to be biographical, humorous, tender, tragic, respectful, irreverent and witty. It is all of the above in different places. It is NOT a boring work.

If English is not your native language, you are apt to miss most of the humor. Unless you spend a lot of time out of the house, it can require thought to decipher the meaning. If you're street-smart, it is comical language.

Only the naive might think this work is not PC, this author repects those who've earned repsect and definitely disrespects those who've earned disrespect.

To read the book will make you a more savvy diner, a better customer, a more realistic restarant patron and a decent tipper.

If you eat at restarants, infrequently or otherwise, consider yourself uneducated until you read this book.

Loved this book!

It's a hilarious look at the restaurant business from a waiter's perspective. The author recounts his restaurant war stories with anecdotes about patrons and waitstaff alike. From celebrities, call girls, mob bosses and crazed chefs, to all forms of addiction, wine insights, imperative tipping protocol and other useful information, Galloway shows readers how to get the maximum value from their restaurant dollar. This book is a must read for anyone who dines out, aspires to a better life, or ever wanted to know what was happening behind those swinging doors (hint: three-second floorsteak).

Written as only a Sgt. can write. Spot on descriptions of life in a combat zone and the hell that swirls around you minute by minute. This is the stuff of the real patriots that walk amongst us. David's description of his guilt and loneliness after he leaves the Army is exactly how it is. The feeling of being loss, separated from your troops. This book shows you exactly why NCO's are, have been, and always will be the backbone of the military. We don't fight for Mom, the flag, and apple pie. We fight for each other. David explains it as well as anyone has ever done. This should be mandatory reading in every NCO academy in the Army. 4 Silver Stars.

Bellavia's book is simply the best volume on infantry operations in the Iraq war. It fully illustrates the bonds formed between men in combat and the determination, professionalism and commitment of our troops. This is a book that draws intense adrenaline rushes from its readers and equivalent emotional responses when the charaters we have come to "know" are killed. I recommend this book to every young man that is considering a military career - especially those that are looking at the infantry.

'House to House' should be mandatory reading for every single person in the United States. SSG David Bellavia has written a no-nonsense, kick-you in-the-gut memoir to recount his experiences in Iraq; a memoir that once you pick up, you won't be able to put down. I started reading it this morning, and just finished the last page about five minutes ago. Bellavia doesn't pull any punches, and recounts vividly and in detail, everything he and his men saw, said, and did in the battles for Muqdadiyah and Fallujah. He is a true American hero, and his love for his men, his country, and his family shine through in every page. I enthusiastically give this book five stars, and would give it even more if I could. God bless SSG Bellavia, and the rest of our troops that have fought and died for this great country!

The way that David Bellavia describes what was going on around him and what he was doing to survive is amazing! When you read it, it's almost as if you can picture everything as he had seen it while he was there. The pictures that are included in the book make it that much better. To see the soldiers, the men that were fighting along side of him the entire time is just captivating. A must-read for anyone that enjoys books about the history of wars and those that love the soldiers that give us our freedom!

A magnificent book. Bellavia offers a clear-eyed, gritty look at battle. I couldn't put it down. More than just a war story, Bellavia offers moving insights into the warrior's soul. Recommended for anyone interested in first person comabt accounts.

This is a comprehensive book about the Apollo space program that does an exceptional job of capturing one of the most incredible times in human history. It was a time when the belief was that we could do just about anything we set our minds to.

Andrew Chaikin does an amazing job of capturing the courage, the commitment, the sacrifices, the driving motives and vision of the astronauts, supporting crews, wives and more. This 600+ page book hardly wastes a word. The book was so good it was turned into a mini series by HBO.

It is clear that Chaikin has a deep passion and respect for the space program and the people in it. He brings the truth to this writing without much dirty laundry being exposed.

This book deserves a place on any space buff's book shelf. It is also a great read for anyone interested in true life adventure of men who dared to sit on the top of rockets and go where no one had gone before. Highly recommended!

Here are a few other great books on the US space program:
Failure is not an Option - Gene Kranz
The Last Man on the Moon - Gene Cernan
The Unbroken Chain - Guenter Wendt

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

The Last Man on the Moon: Astronaut Eugene Cernan and America's Race in Space

Failure is not an Option: Mission Control from Mercury to Apollo 13 and Beyond

The Unbroken Chain: Apogee Books Space Series 20 (Apogee Books Space Series)

I recently took my four year old son to KSC to see the launch of Discovery on its STS-124 mission. While I have always been one to make sure I have the TV on during a launch, I never dove much deeper than the average newspaper coverage. However, after taking the tours at KSC, a fire was ignited.
This book was the perfect fit for me. It covers every apollo mission without losing interest in the later missions. Obviously more time is spent covering Apollo's 1, 11, & 13.
Chaikin introduces the readers to many of the astronauts that while are not as well known as Armstrong, contibuted just as much, if not more to the program.
As it states in the description, the series,From the Earth to the Moon closely follows the book, but puts a more personal touch on the program while still providing enough information for the book to be used as reference for high school papers or a college thesis. It is the perfect mix of technical and entertainment. A Great Read!!

I'd like to be able to say that I like my own Apollo book better, but I can't. Chaikin's work stands alone in my mind as the definitive telling of the Apollo program. This is a book that entertains while informing- never an easy task, especially with science. Chaikin went to great lengths to assure accuracy... he is well-known by the living moonwalkers/Apollo CM pilots, and his work is respected by the few I was privileged to interview. Andy was also gracious enough to be interviewed for my Modern Marvels show, "Apollo 11," which made my interview roster complete. His ability to illuminate the history of Apollo is as dazzling in person as it is on the printed page. Buy it, read it, and re-read it. I do so at least one a year!

I bought this book after seeing ``From the Earth to the Moon,'' and found it to be a very interesting and informative overview of the American manned space program through Apollo. I would highly recommend it to anyone who may have been too young or not born yet to understand the accomplishments of the astronauts and all the men and women of NASA and contractors who were the real heart behind the Apollo space program.A Man on the Moon

The Apollo astronauts accomplished a feat which few thought possible. In a captivating fashion, author Andrew Chaikin offers a version of the Moon flights which most astronauts could not communicate.

The vivid details of the lunar features and the astronauts' private thoughts are brought to life in a way that makes you feel as if you are really there. The astronauts often stumble into "thrust-to-weight ratios" and "angles of trajectory" when they talk about their experiences. This is not what the public wants to hear. This book is the definitive book for mankind's greatest adventure.

Tahir Rahman, author of We Came in Peace for all Mankind
www.silicondisc.com

I found that this was an excellent account of Donny Osmond's memoirs of his life and of his enccounters with social anxiety. I recommend this to anyone who is a Donny Osmond fan.

As a life long Osmond fan, I was captivated by this book. Donny really put himself out there, the book was honest, written with feeling,I really understood the grown up Donny and felt the fear he must have felt when he was going through his Social Phobia. I am glad that he wrote it the way he did. People get the wrong impressions and they run with them. I feel that fans and the entertainment industry let Donny down. Everyone wanted the gorgeous teen aged boy, he grew to be a handsome man, a loving husband, a good father and a fantastic artist. This book gave you a true picture of who Donny is and that above all he is human just like the rest of us. I have even read this book again because it was very interesting. We see the glamour and the fun part of being famous, but it has its nightmares and is very hard work. What I admire about Donny the most is that he hasn't let success change who he is, he could have done something drastic to be in the front pages amd he has chosen not to. As of this date he is married to Debbie for 30 years now, how many celebrities can say that.

Am not a big reader but loved to hear how Just like others Donny has not had a perfect life, A must for all Donny fans and those who just want a insight into his life.

LIFE IS JUST WHAT YOU MAKE IT: MY STORY SO FARas I read donny's book, i couldnt help but feel partly responsible for Donny's downfall from super stardom. I was devastated to learn of Donny's marriage to Debbie and felt so betrayed by him that i put my Osmond albums and posters away and turned my back on him for what I vowed would be forever. It made me sad to read how hard it was for him to go from being on top of the world to a has been at the age of 21. And a broke has been as well. At times through out the book, i felt Donny was feeling sorry for himself but then, thats understandable too. Something I was absolutely delighted to read about was the family home. I always pictured the Osmond clan all living in one big giant mansion. As each brother got married, he'd just move his wife in. Well that wasnt quite right. they bought an entire apartment building and knocked out some walls to accomadate them. I also was touched by the story Donny wrote about briefly about the relationship between his mother and Elvis Presley. I am glad i read this book. although i dont listen to or care for his music anymore, I do, from time to time see him on TV and will watch. I was very disappointed in him when i saw him insult Rosie Odonnel about her weight. Totally rude and uncalled for. He explains in his book that he thought her words of praise and love for him was her way of mocking him and he lashed out. I don't buy it. He said too it was a joke. Ask any fat person if they've ever heard a fat joke that was funny. I lost alot of respect for Donny that day. However i was amused at Rosie. She over exaggerated his comment and for weeks, every guest she had on her show, she'd ask them if they saw the show where donny called her a big fat pig. Guess he picked the wrong fat girl to pick on. I would definately recommend this book to Donny fans.

I truly enjoyed reading this book as it showed a side of Donny that I assumed existed but didn't believe until I read his book. The book is honest, truthful and forward about his life, family and how he got where he is now. Eye opening in a lot of personal stories. I got a sense that his father was more of a disciplinarian than was let on and this affected Donny more than we knew. If you really want to know more about Donny and what makes him tick, read this book. I read it in 2 days.

this book is a must for all nsync fans! I was a little disapointed because they didn't have a lot of "411" on them as I like (mostly pics) but the pics are great~but It's an awesome book!

This is a book all about the popular band *nsync. they include how they got started, what's an everyday routine for them, bio's and several pages of their life story. they used a lot of qoites from when they where performing in Disney land (which if you have seen as much as I have...nothing new) personally I enjoyed the baby pictures of the guys. they have family pictures and a picture of when Justin was at the tender age of 14 (I laughed because they have changed so much) Several up-to-date pic's as well. you will probably enjoy this book!

I an an obsessed *Nsync fan and bought this book a few years ago.I still read and have read it numerous times.It has baby pictures of the cuties and shows pictures of *Nsync when they just started singing.It has lots of info and is actually written partually by *Nsync,unlike most of the other books.

I expected an official book to be a lenghty chapter book- but this had more information than it looked! plus cool colorful pics on each page. Of course this book covers their lives up to their debut album in '98, so of course its not exactly up-to-date anymore, but its cool to have. It has a section about each member that has some interesting info and old baby pics! Theres a section about their most embarrasing moments, which is always cool, and funny to hear about! Plus much more!

Hello, I think this book is awsome. It is grate. My mommy lic's it tooo. se reeds it to me win i go tu bed at nite. I dont eet meet! I am a vegitran. Well that is wat my mommy says anyway.

Best book to read if want to know about you. The only one person in this world that introduce you to you. Don't look for peace anywhere because it's just right inside of you. To know more about you and peace please read this book.

This is an enthralling story of a remarkable man. I don't usually enjoy biographies but I couldn't put this one down. Highly recommended!

"Peace is Possible" is a captivating account by Ms. Cagan about Prem Rawat.

Intriguingly, this man from a small town in Northern India has won international acclaim from heads of state, esteemed institutions of higher learning and philanthropic organizations for his unflagging effort to unlock peace in people's lives.

Despite his unique station as the fourth and youngest son of a highly venerated life teacher, Rawat's personal accomplishments reveal a deeper theme. His apparent unwavering commitment to those who seek his guidance worldwide, regardless of the challenges thrown his way, is most striking.

According to the account, Prem Rawat grew up in a bustling household often occupied with people wishing to debate or implore his counsel. He was raised by a strictly devout Hindu mother and educated by ill-tempered monks at a Catholic grade school. Nonetheless, he evidently forged his own path, remaining steadfast to his experience of what his father had shown him.

The result reads as a living example of trust. At the tender age of eight, only Rawat can console others upon his father's death, and he soon becomes the mentor for his father's many students. At age thirteen, he leaves school and travels from India by himself to spread his message West, not knowing what he will find. The story that unfolds from there remains fascinating.

Many of the practitioners of his knowledge seem to verify what Prem Rawat has steadfastly asserted for many years, that there is a peace inside one can know through experience, not just belief. Prem Rawat seems dedicated to imparting what he knows to those who sincerely want it.

Peace Is Possible: The Life and Message of Prem Rawat

Simply Wonderful!!

How wonderful to learn about Prem Rawat's history in such a readable and entertaining way. I was moved to tears and laughter many times. He has done so much for people all over the world, myself included. A good starting point for anyone seeking self knowledge.

Mr. James Herriot is an uncommon writer, possessed of extraordinary skill and a mastery of the English language. When speaking of works of fiction, he is my favorite writer. His ability to choose perfectly appropriate and descriptive words, phrases, and metaphors to verbally illustrate unique characteristics, landscapes, feelings, and situations still has me mesmerized.

"All Creatures Great and Small" is autobiographical in that Mr. Herriot is the central character of the book, though James Herriot is the pen name of the real author, Jim Wight. However, since the work is defined as a novel, then one may assume that Mr. Herriot took certain liberties in relating many of the tales he unfolds. Mr. Herriot is a veterinary surgeon, and much of his novel specifically involves dealing with particular cases of sick livestock and ailing house pets. One should not quickly conclude, however, that this story is merely about the ramblings of a country animal doctor who at times finds himself in interesting situations, as some reviewers would suggest.

Instead, my feeling is that Mr. Herriot utilized his visits to multiple and varied farms and residences in the British countryside to highlight the individual conditions, attitudes, and distinctive persons he discovered at each location. The book becomes absolutely delightful and poignant, for instance, when Mr. Herriot kindly sits at an aging woman's bedside and tenderly comforts her with his voiced belief that her devoted, loving dogs and cats are indeed possessed of souls and that she need not fear that they will again be her companions in the afterlife.

And I do not believe I have laughed out loud so frequently while reading one book. Some of my personal favorites are when his brakes go out on his car and he must navigate a steep and winding descent to the bottom of a low valley, where his next veterinary visit is scheduled, and when he finds himself on his first date with the woman he is destined to marry and the only respectable dress suit he owns is several years out of fashion and far too tight-fitting, which is partly why he becomes far too nervous and a bout of awkward conversation and actions follow. Additionally, much might be said here about the quirky relationship Mr. Herriot has with his unpredictable and explosive yet perfectly harmless and generous employer, a Mr. Siegfried Farnon, and Siegfried's younger brother, Tristan. Farnon's demanding attitude regarding his veterinary business affairs, especially in the face of Tristan's irresponsibility in mishandling assignments and responsibilities, is often the basis for much of the hilarity in the book.

In speaking of his relationships with those to whom he is closest on a personal level and the frequently visited owners of his animal patients, Mr. Herriot has an especially profound gift when it comes to praising the best characteristics that are found in the human race. He speaks with eloquent fondness when describing the beautiful traits he sees in his lovely Helen, his soon-to-be wife. And when he stumbles upon a man or woman who he feels is in ownership of certain admirable exceptionality, such as industry or thrift or honesty or discipline or gentleness, his written accolades of such persons is heartwarming and deeply inspiring.

Thus I would say that this book has everything. It touches upon the topics of death, faith, humor, love, devotion, stewardship, human strengths and frailties, prosperity and poverty, work and idleness, occupation, and the list goes on. Given that these interesting topics are handled so capably by Mr. Herriot's writing talent, I doubt that any sensitive reader would find this book to be anything but delightful and praiseworthy.

One of the best books I've read in my life. A must read. Very well written. Makes you want to write like him.

I remember seeing my high school biology teacher reading this book at her desk while she had some time to herself, while we did our thing with dissections, etc. It seemed that she couldn't get her hands off this book. And I'd wonder what the book was about. Something about creatures. Maybe it was about GOD and church and religion.

Now that I've had a chance to read this book, twenty years later, I can say that it is a wonderful book! You don't want this book to end. And now I understand why my biology teacher was so hooked on it.

This is a nonfictional book about an English veterinarian writing about his funny and sometimes dramatic profession. From how he started, to his everyday events in a small town (away from the big city such as London) to how he meets his future wife, and his gradual establishment of his veterinary life. This book is filled with funny moments that makes you pause with a smile on your face. And has its poignant moments that makes you realize its wonderful writing.

This book gives you a glimpse of what the veterinary world is like on his side, on the countryside of life, with real people and real stories, and of course, with real animals. Animals and people and veterinary work that you will come to love.

I bought this edition as a gift for a graduating vet student (every vet needs a copy in his or her office). The book is a classic, and the hardcover is suitable for gifting.

I can't add much more than the previous reviews. How many books on Amazon have a 5 star rating with 100+ reviews? Missed this one during school and read all three of Herriot's books in my 40's. Truly lovely, wise, and transporting. I will make sure my children don't wait as long as I did to discover these classics.

Wonderful and inspiring stories of a country vet are humorously written but also deliver a good amount of practical veterinary insight. It's nice to read from the point of view of a kind-hearted yet practical country animal lover.